“States” Paper Kites
Excellent collection of indie folk — consistently great from start to finish. First full CD release, following two EPs from the Melbourne, Australia-based quintet. Primary influences seem to include Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, and on a few tracks, perhaps even Freelance Whales. But the band has carved its own identity. Many of the songs are delicate and precisely layered. While nine of the tracks feature frontman Sam Bentley’s lead vocals, Paper Kites also includes superb singer-guitarist, Christina Lacy. Her exceptional voice is showcased on “Living Colour,” “Cold Kind Hand,” “In Reverie,” and “I Done You So Wrong” — giving this CD significant Meowness as well (right, Mister Esquire?).
— Francis